Craig Goldthorp

In the wake of key striker Scott McDonald’s announcement that he’s leaving Motherwell, Irish star Carl McHugh is hoping that top scorer Louis Moult and defender Ben Heneghan will stick around for next season.

McHugh – part of the ’Well side beaten 3-2 at Inverness Caley in their final league game on Saturday – was speaking after reports that Glasgow giants Rangers and English clubs are monitoring both players and lining up offers of around £500,000 for each.

Motherwell striker Scott McDonald has opted not to take up the option of one more year at Motherwell (Pic by Alan Watson)

“Louis and Ben have been doing well so they’re obviously going to attract attention,” said the 24-year-old Irishman.

“Hopefully we can keep them. The two of them have been brilliant for us.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing beside Ben, it’s been brilliant.

“And Moulty’s goals as we know are invaluable.

“It’s a blow for us losing Scotty. He’s been brilliant for us this season and has been a great servant to the club for many years now.

“The club’s going to have to move on and try and find someone to fill his boots.”

McHugh, who had four months of the last campaign wiped out after suffering delayed concussion from a horror head clash at Kilmarnock on the very first day of the season, was disappointed with Motherwell’s overall campaign.

The Steelmen remained in the relegation mix until the very last week before saving their skins with victories over Hamilton Accies and Kilmarnock in the final stages.

“I hope next season is a lot, lot better than this season to be honest,” McHugh said.

“I don’t want to be in the position we found ourselves this season.

“We did well when it came to it and we had to win a few games. We came up with a few big results but I didn’t come here to be in relegation battles.